Hurricane Erin strengthens to a fierce Category 5 storm in the Atlantic

Hurricane Erin has strengthened into a fearsome Category 5 Hurricane with sustained winds of 160 mph as the storm travels west over the Atlantic.

The hurricane is not expected to make a direct hit on the United States, but it will still drive dangerous surf conditions along the East Coast. Erin is expected to make a turn to the west-northwest later in the day and a turn north after the weekend, passing north of islands in the Caribbean.

Under the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, the minimum threshold for Category 5 winds is 157 mph. Category 5 hurricanes are the strongest possible, according to the scale.

“(B)y the middle of next week, Erin is forecast to at least double or triple in size, which will result in rough ocean conditions over the western Atlantic,” the hurricane center said.

The storm’s outer bands of rain were already beginning to impact the islands, forecasters said on Aug. 16. Heavy rainfall is expected in the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico for the rest of the weekend, bringing 2 to 4 inches of rain with localized amounts of 6 inches and possible flash flooding.

Erin formed as a hurricane on Aug. 15 as the first hurricane of the Atlantic season, and quickly became the first major hurricane as well. A major hurricane is one that reaches at least Category 3 status. Rapid intensification occurs when a hurricane skips one or more categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale in less than a day.

Forecasters said Erin will continue to rapidly intensify.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and will last through the end of November. Active hurricane weather typically peaks between mid-August and mid-October. The first hurricane of the Atlantic season on average forms on about Aug. 11.

Hurricane Erin tracker

This forecast track shows the most likely path of the center of the storm. It does not illustrate the full width of the storm or its impacts, and the center of the storm is likely to travel outside the cone up to 33% of the time.

Hurricane Erin spaghetti models

Illustrations include an array of forecast tools and models, and not all are created equal. The hurricane center uses only the top four or five highest performing models to help make its forecasts.

How do hurricanes form?

Hurricanes are born in the tropics, above warm water. Clusters of thunderstorms can develop over the ocean when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If conditions are right, the clusters swirl into a storm known as a tropical wave or tropical depression.

A tropical depression becomes a named tropical storm once its sustained wind speeds reaches 39 miles per hour. When its winds reach 74 mph, the storm officially becomes a hurricane.

Prepare now for hurricanes

Delaying potentially life-saving preparations could mean waiting until it’s too late. “Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period,” NOAA recommends.

Prepare now for hurricanes: Here’s what you should do to stay safe before a hurricane arrives

Develop an evacuation plan: If you are at risk from hurricanes, you need an evacuation plan. Now is the time to begin planning where you would go and how you would get there.
Assemble disaster supplies: Whether you’re evacuating or sheltering-in-place, you’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy aftermath, NOAA said.
Get an insurance checkup and document your possessions: Contact your insurance company or agent now and ask for an insurance check-up to make sure you have enough insurance to repair or even replace your home and/or belongings. Remember, home and renters insurance doesn’t cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy for it. Flood insurance is available through your company, agent, or the National Flood Insurance Program. Act now, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period.
Create a family communication plan: NOAA said to take the time now to write down your hurricane plan, and share it with your family. Determine family meeting places, and make sure to include an out-of-town location in case of evacuation.
Strengthen your home: Now is the time to improve your home’s ability to withstand hurricane impacts. Trim trees; install storm shutters, accordion shutters, and/or impact glass; seal outside wall openings.